Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has called on residents of the Mt Kenya region to unite behind Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, describing him as the region's future leader, while warning politicians sponsoring violence that the government will not tolerate criminality.
Speaking during a thanksgiving ceremony at St. Stephen's Secondary School in Kagaari, Embu County on Friday, Murkomen appealed to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to publicly support Kindiki after recently referring to him as the "son of the mountain."
"I want you to support Prof. Kindiki as the Deputy President and hold his hand," Murkomen said.
Addressing the gathering, the Cabinet Secretary said Gachagua's recent remarks acknowledging Kindiki's roots in the Mt Kenya region should translate into political backing for the Deputy President.
"If you now acknowledge that he is your son, why can't you go all the way and say that we should support him?" he posed.
Murkomen dismissed claims that Kindiki was facing challenges within the Kenya Kwanza administration, insisting that the Deputy President enjoys the confidence of the government and that his only challenge would arise if he failed to receive support from his home region.
"There is no problem with Prof. Kindiki. He will only have a problem if you do not support him," he said.
The Cabinet Secretary also addressed the country's security situation, commending the National Police Service for what he described as successful efforts to curb political violence and the activities of criminal gangs that had disrupted public meetings in recent months.
"I commend the National Police Service. In all the meetings that have taken place over the last two weeks, there have been no incidents involving goons," Murkomen said.
He attributed the calm witnessed during recent political gatherings to intensified security operations and reaffirmed the government's commitment to maintaining peace ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Murkomen issued a stern warning to politicians and individuals accused of financing violence or mobilising groups to disrupt public meetings, saying law enforcement agencies would take firm action against offenders.
"We will not allow anyone to carry crude weapons in public and claim that they are doing so for self-protection while causing violence," he said.
The Interior CS said the government would continue enforcing the law without fear or favour to ensure political activities are conducted peacefully and within the confines of the Constitution.
His remarks come amid heightened political activity across the country as parties intensify campaigns and recruitment ahead of the next General Election.
The government has repeatedly warned against the use of criminal gangs to intimidate political opponents, with security agencies pledging to arrest individuals involved in organising or financing violence.
Murkomen was accompanied by Technical and Vocational Education and Training Principal Secretary Dr. Esther Muoria, Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira, Blue Economy and Fisheries Principal Secretary Betsy Njagi, Roads Principal Secretary Eng. Joseph Mbugua, Embu Senator Alexander Mundigi, Runyenjes MP Muchangi Karemba, Mbeere South MP Eng. Nebart Muriuki, Embu County Woman Representative Pamela Njoki, Members of the County Assembly and other local leaders.
The Cabinet Secretary urged leaders to prioritise peace and unity, saying a stable political environment is essential for development and democratic governance as the country prepares for the 2027 elections.